Collingwood 2018 trade guide: Who should the Magpies chase this off-season?

COLLINGWOOD is the Cinderella story of the season, with the likes of Jaidyn Stephenson and Will Hoskin-Elliott proving to be forward line revelations. But does that mean the club could look to move on Jamie Elliott?

Would moving Darcy Moore free up the cash to land Tom Lynch? Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD is the Cinderella story of the season.

All plaudits to Nathan Buckley as the game-style overhaul and forward-line reconfiguration has transformed the Magpies and exceeded all expectations. A tremendous reward for a club that stayed united under fire.

Name any facet of the AFL game and the Pies have improved this season from last.

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A genuinely tough midfield that now goes forward into a small forward line that Will Hoskin-Elliott, the newly-re-signed Jordan De Goey and Josh Thomas have made their own.

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Would moving Darcy Moore free up the cash to land Tom Lynch? Picture: Getty Image. Picture

The rise of Brodie Grundy into the elite stratosphere combined that with some other early 20s

dramatic improvers like Tom Phillips and a healthy Matthew Scharenberg.

Daniel Wells has played 45 games in almost five seasons and despite a contract would be nervous.

The almost permanently-picked yet injury-prone forwards like Alex Fasolo and Jamie Elliott are popular figures but could be thrown up for trade as the Magpies currently only have one national draft pick inside the top 50.

The Magpies will need to find a way to get back into the draft throughout the second and early third rounds. Darcy Moore has considerable currency and suitors which could please both parties.

There’s considerable noise around Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch, and what a coup that would be if the Pies could get that signature and squeeze Tom into the salary cap. If not, don’t discount Steven May heading to the Holden Centre.

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IN PLAY

1. Alex Fasolo

Age: 26

Games in 2018: One

As a free agent in the right age bracket, the Pies would get a handy pick as compensation if both parties decided he should chase opportunities elsewhere.

The Pies are playing exciting, quick kids up forward, which might put his ongoing spot in jeopardy.

2. Darcy Moore

Age: 22

Games in 2018: Four

Surely he should stay at Collingwood, and has told the club he wants to, but the talk of Sydney’s interest continues to linger.

Only in the event Tom Lynch is desperate to come and it’s the only way to clear cap space for him should they consider it.

Could the Pies let mercurial forward Alex Fasolo walk to get a pick back as compensation? Picture: AAP

3. Jamie Elliott

Age: 25

Games in 2018: 0

Out of contract, out of the side with constant injuries, and unlikely to be able to request the kind of cash he would in full flight. Rivals are sure to inquire about his services, potentially able to pay on potential rather than recent form.

BUY BUY BUY

1. Tom Lynch

Age: 25

Games in 2018: 10

Not even the Suns believe Lynch will stay, with Collingwood one of three clubs in play. Everything they have done this year helps them, even if they would be challenged to clear enough cap space.

2. Isaac Quaynor

Age: 18

Games in 2018: 0

The Pies have found one in Isaac Quaynor, an Oakleigh Chargers half back who could go top 15 in the national draft. The 180cm defender had a super year so far, and is a Pies NGA player because his father is from Ghana.

3. Mitch McGovern

Age: 23

Games in 2018: 8

If the Pies lost Moore, would they be interested in high-flying McGovern, who broke Pies hearts with that late mark and goal last year? Would have to think long and hard about his talent.

WINS AND ROUNDABOUTS

Sam Murray started like a house on fire as a former Swans defender but has lost his spot in the side. Brody Mihocek was a smart rookie pick filling a valuable role in the side.

FANTASY QUICK FIX

Would the Pies hand over early picks or even two first-rounders for Tom Lynch if he was available now? Make a bold move to secure him and round out the premiership aspirations?

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